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How Harper for Kids brings Social Emotional Learning
to life through Character Education
By teaching character first with Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success,
students naturally build the SEL skills they need for success in school and life.
SEL
PRINCIPAL RICK TORRES
MARIPOSA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“Harper for Kids and the Pyramid of Success are not ‘one more thing’, they are the throughline that ties our PBIS Platinum practices to everyday SEL.”
At Mariposa Elementary, Harper for Kids’ Character Education, centered on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, has become a cornerstone of our Tier 1 PBIS work and Social Emotional Learning goals. We were recently awarded PBIS Platinum, and the Pyramid is an integral part of that plan: it gives our entire community a shared language for developing strong character and unity among students and staff. Teachers explicitly weave Pyramid traits (e.g., Friendship, Cooperation, Self-Control, Team Spirit, Poise) into SOAR expectations and daily routines, use the traits for goal-setting and feedback, and reference them in restorative conversations. Students recognize the traits in peers during morning meetings and at assemblies, and our recognition systems call out specific Pyramid language (“You showed Self-Control during recess” rather than a generic “good job”). This has strengthened positive relationships, improved self-management, especially during transitions and unstructured times, and supported more responsible decision-making in classrooms, robotics, and intramurals. In short, Harper for Kids and the Pyramid of Success are not “one more thing,” they are the throughline that ties our PBIS Platinum practices to everyday SEL, building character and unity across our campus.
PRINCIPAL ALLEN LEE
JOHN YEHALL CHIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“The visual reminders and shared language of Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success have strengthened a cohesive, encouraging and supportive school culture.”
At John Yehall Chin, through Harper for Kids' Character Education Program, students learn more about self-awareness by identifying
and articulating traits like confidence, poise, and enthusiasm. JYC students also learn more about self-management through
consistent reinforcement and personal goals that help sustain effort and emotional regulation. Traits like cooperation, loyalty, and friendship from Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success foster empathy and behoove positive social interactions, leading to enhanced
social awareness. Reflection upon the traits of the Pyramid of Success helps students make thoughtful and value-aligned choices, further encouraging responsible decision-making. The visual reminders and shared language of Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success have strengthened a cohesive, encouraging, and supportive school culture/atmosphere.
PRINCIPAL MELITON SANCHEZ
VALLECITOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“We reduced our chronic absenteeism rate from the mid-20% range to less than 7% and credit the Pyramid of Success for some of that result.”
Since introducing Harper for Kids in 2022–23, Vallecitos Elementary School has built daily and monthly practices around Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. This includes sharing daily quotes and giving monthly certificates based on the building blocks. This work has reinforced positive relationships, self-management, and responsible decision-making. It has also helped to strengthen our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. Vallecitos established a Silver CA PBIS distinction and moved to Gold during our implementation of the Pyramid of Success and Platinum is next! We also reduced our chronic absenteeism rate from the mid 20% range to less than 7% and credit HFK’s program, centered on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success for some of that result. We look forward to honoring Coach Wooden's legacy with a Pyramid of Success mural at Vallecitos during 25-26.
Hear directly from principals, teachers, and counselors who have put Harper for Kids into practice
and have seen how it enhances SEL development and student growth.
PRINCIPAL AARON TARZIAN
RIO VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“This integration has strengthened our recognition systems and overall school culture while aligning
with other programs we use to support students’
social-emotional learning and build a supportive
school community.”
At our school, Harper for Kids’ Character Education Program has become part of our daily culture. Each morning, students are recognized during announcements for exemplifying Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, and throughout the year staff award PBIS points to students for demonstrating these character traits in addition to our schoolwide PBIS expectations.
This integration has strengthened our recognition systems and overall school culture while aligning with other programs we use to support students’ social-emotional learning and build a supportive school community. By focusing on character first, our students have become more self-aware, better at managing their emotions, and more thoughtful in their choices.
Testimonials from Principals & Educators
ADRIAN SALINAS. SCHOOL COUNSELOR
JAMES WORKMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Harper for Kids program provides a framework that aligns with our SEL goals and helps students reach their full potential.”
Harper for Kids’ Character Education Program is a wonderful asset and provides a framework that aligns with James Workman’s social-emotional learning goals. Here at James Workman, we empower students to have responsibility for themselves and their actions. We foster an environment that encourages effective communication and listening skills while building positive, respectful and supportive relationships with their peers and staff. Having Harper for Kids’ and the Pyramid of Success on our school site has provided our students with a foundation that coordinates with our students reaching their full potential. Whether a student is having challenges at home, in the classroom, or on the field; incorporating the character traits, with the ultimate goal of the students reaching their personal best, plays a vital role in our students' social-emotional development.
PRINCIPAL YOSHIM YANG
VANALDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“By introducing Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, we’ve seen a meaningful shift in how students approach not only their learning, but also their relationships, decision-making and self-awareness.”
At Vanalden Elementary, the Harper for Kids Character Education Program has been a powerful complement to our social-emotional learning goals and the culture we are building for our students. By introducing Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, we have seen a meaningful shift in how our students approach not only their learning but also their relationships, decision-making, and self-awareness.
One of the most impactful outcomes has been the way the program fosters a sense of safety and belonging. When students feel safe at school, they are more open to learning, collaborating, and connecting with others. Many of our students face significant challenges in their home lives, and the Pyramid of Success provides them with a framework to find success, purpose, and confidence within our school community.
Additionally, the program’s emphasis on traits such as cooperation, self-control, and helping others has encouraged students to reflect on how their choices affect themselves and those around them. We’ve seen students become more empathetic and intentional—understanding that when they give to others, whether through kindness, encouragement, or support, they feel good about themselves and build stronger, more positive relationships.
Overall, Harper for Kids has helped us strengthen a supportive school culture where students are inspired to set goals, persevere through challenges, and celebrate one another’s growth. It has been an invaluable part of aligning our character education work with our broader SEL priorities.
Our school partners have found that Harper for Kids’ Character Education Program works hand in hand with their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) goals. By helping students build positive character and focus on being the best version of themselves, the program lays a strong foundation for growth in the SEL competencies: Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making, Social Awareness, Self-Awareness, and Self-Management.
Through the integration of Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success lessons, Harper for Kids provides students with a solid framework that not only supports SEL development but also shows them how to practice essential character traits like Hard Work, Enthusiasm, Friendship, Self-Control, and Determination as simple daily habits. These daily habits naturally strengthen SEL skills, giving students a clear and practical path to success in school and in life.
By connecting character habits with SEL growth, Harper for Kids’ Character Education Program makes it easier for schools to achieve their SEL goals in a way that feels natural, practical, and lasting for students.
When Students Build Strong Character,
SEL Grows Naturally
Just like a tree needs strong roots to grow, students need a solid foundation of character. When students practice the traits on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success and build character first, the 5 SEL competencies will grow.
SEL COMPETENCIES GROW NATURALLY FROM POSITIVE CHARACTER IN ACTION
Self-Awareness – Poise: believing in yourself and your abilities; Skill: knowing what you’re good at and where you can grow.
Self-Management – Self-Control: managing your emotions before reacting; Hard Work: putting in consistent effort to improve.
Social Awareness – Alertness: paying attention to the needs and feelings of people around you; Cooperation: working well with others, even when you don’t always agree.
Relationship Skills – Friendship: building positive connections and treating others with respect; Enthusiasm: bringing positive energy that encourages others.
Responsible Decision-Making – Confidence: trusting yourself to choose what’s right; Loyalty: honoring commitments in your choices.
CATHERINE WASLIF, MILLBRAE SCHOOL DISTRICT
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
“The program bridges Character Education with broader SEL goals, creating a sense of belonging and purpose in our classroom and playgrounds.”
I have seen firsthand how the program nurtures our Millbrae students’ social-emotional learning by giving them a common language to talk about hard work, team spirit, and friendship. The Pyramid of Success provides a concrete framework that helps students reflect on their own choices, set goals, and recognize the importance of building positive relationships. Over time, this shared focus has strengthened our school culture by encouraging students to support one another, take ownership of their actions, and celebrate effort as much as achievement.
As an educator, I value how the program bridges character education with broader SEL goals. It not only develops self-management and responsible decision-making, but also creates a sense of belonging and purpose in our classrooms and playgrounds. Harper for Kids’ partnership has truly helped us create an environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
LISA MOE, 6TH GRADE TEACHER
RONDO SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY SCHOOL
“The Pyramid of Success gives us a shared language to grow together. Whether we’re celebrating someone’s personal best, working through conflict with honesty and respect, or simply showing up for each other on the hard days, it’s all grounded in the character traits we build through this program.”
Over the years, Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success has become more than a chart on our wall. It’s the heartbeat of our classroom. Thanks to Harper for Kids, my students don’t just talk about character... they live it, breathe it, and carry it with them long after they leave our space.
The Pyramid of Success gives us a shared language to grow together. Whether we’re celebrating someone’s personal best, working through conflict with honesty and respect, or simply showing up for each other on the hard days, it’s all grounded in the character traits we build through this program. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, purpose, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
What makes it so special is how real it becomes. I’ve had students come back years later to tell me they leaned on “poise” during tryouts or remembered “enthusiasm” during a tough group project in high school. Some even say their Pyramid is still hanging up in their room. That kind of impact? That’s the dream.
Harper for Kids doesn’t just support SEL. It brings it to life. And in my classroom, it’s helped shape not just better learners, but better humans.
